Staff creates many maps that serve as visual aids to clearly and attractively show the multitude of geospatial data layers that are used in planning for local municipalities and the region. Maps range from water and sewer system maps in a community’s comprehensive plan to future roadway projects planned for the entire region; from locations of federal investment dollars for infrastructure projects in the region to playgrounds and baseball diamonds in a municipal park plan; and from maps used to count housing units for U.S. Census activities to maps that the show location of low to moderate income census tracts.

Many maps are used simply to depict a community or features and amenities of a community. Staff creates maps to accompany community profiles/fact sheets, maps that are included in promotional and informational brochures, maps for websites, and maps that are included in guides for transit riders and recreational trails users, for example.